Random question: has anyone recently been to this Plateau meat shop? Any reviews? They had a big fire in the late Winter, it was to have re-opened last week.
Any other recommendations (vendors in Marche Atwater?) for retail meats & sauces in M'real?
e_armand
2
manchvegas
I just checked out the website, there's no English translation? Lol.....that's not too obnoxious.
3
e_armand
I only drove thru Westmount last year, 5 min. We had family friends who lived there before the anglo exodus, bewigged ancestor over the mantle & all that, I dont remember visiting. But it looks like Newton or Brookline or Wellesley, MA. I'd call it 'upscale, old money, establishment' - not fashionable.
The Plateau is definitely fashionable, but understated 'trendy.' Its been ranked "the most livable neighborhood in N.America" and I wouldnt argue with that. The sheer density of high-quality gourmande boutiques on Mont-Royale & Laurier is enough to make any foodie seriously look at real estate ...
I have mixed feelings about the language thing. I'm fully conversant in French, and why should they be forced to speak Anglais? What bugs me is the snotty resistance, like refusing to pronounce my English name. No, it sounds nothing like "Tio," LOL. You cannot trust the translations of the shopkids, who are otherwise well-informed & flirty salespeople.
If you had any food allergies, you should definitely know HOW to pronounce en francais whatever ails you. Only in 'Viellle Europe' - the oldest gourmande shop - have I routinely found English-speaking staff. I've about given up on ever finding an anglo butcher here too. No matter.
NONE of the fresh food items are labeled in English anywhere I've shopped on the Plateau in maybe 15 visits. Suits me fine: our Customs cannot read French either ; )
4
manchvegas
Well, in regards to the language thing, you're right, they shouldn't be forced, but there's a huge English speaking population. It's more of a customer service issue.
Having said that.... I love Montreal. I'm thinking of going up for my birthday.....in January. Burrrrrr! That's real love.
5
e_armand
On the Plateau now; just had late lunch at a place where the waitress translated the soup-of-the-day "citrouille" as "pumpkin." A shopgirl at a nearby gourmet cupcake place (haha) translated it "butternut squash." You simply cannot trust their translations.
You live in New Hampshire - Montreal is not colder. Montreal IS colder than Boston (on the coast), however.
btw, 'Maison du Roti' is open for bizness & in the same old location on Mont-Royale. Same as it ever was.
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